UP swimmer Bartolome cleared to compete as league respects TRO

Anna Bartolome secured the TRO in the case filed by her father Vic on her behalf. Jerome Ascano

ROOKIE Anna Bartolome will now be allowed to compete in the UAAP swimming championships after the league said it will respect the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by a Quezon City court against the league's two-year residency rule for transferring high school graduates.

The UAAP said it will honor the 20-day TRO secured by Bartolome after the controversial lady swimmer was included in the lineup of the University of the Philippines women’s team for the September 19 to 22 competitions at the Trace Aquatic Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

Bartolome’s inclusion came following a meeting by the UAAP eligibility committee for the swimming tournament last Thursday.

But several old hands in the league stressed Bartolome remains ineligible this season since acquiring a TRO meant a ‘restoration of status quo’ which makes the previous rule of a one-year residency for transferees in effect.

UAAP secretary treasurer Malou Isip said the league will allow Bartolome to compete to avoid any legal complications.

“She is on the UP swim lineup, no choice but again to respect TRO or else, ma-ko-contempt kami,” said Isip.

Bartolome’s failure to get a clearance from her high school University of Santo Tomas also prompted the family to take the case to court.